Several times a year, Target presents a collection in which they collaborate with a well-known designer to create an affordable line for a larger group of consumers. William Rast, the edgy, Americana-inspired brand designed by longtime friends Justin Timberlake and Trace Ayala, has gained popularity with those in Hollywood such as Jessica Biel, Kate Hudson and Fergie. In December, the limited edition William Rast for Target collection premiered, offering fashionable pieces at affordable prices through Jan. 22.
William Rast for Target offers men’s and women’s styles. For women, the collection includes tank tops, T-shirts, blouses, button-up shirts and cotton tunics. The tops are comfortable and casual but allow the option to be dressed up for an appropriate date or night out. The style of the collection is tomboyish with a classic feel, comparable to Ralph Lauren or the Gap collections.
While typical designer jeans from William Rast cost up to $200, the Target line offers similar denim bootcut and skinny jean silhouettes for a fraction of the boutique price.
Cotton tops keep the collection casual with a neutral color scheme of light pinks, whites, navy blues and blacks stamped with their signature design of a faded American flag. Aside from casual wear, the collection offers trendy cargo skinny pants and leather and sequin skirts.
A cropped leather jacket in the collection earns the nod for being the highest priced piece at $199.99. However, most of the line is more affordable for fashion enthusiasts on a budget. Other jackets in the collection include a military style army green zip-up jacket and black blazer fairly priced at $49.99.
The edgy bohemian style of the women’s collection is comfortable and stylish. The men’s collection closely resembles the women’s with its color pattern, designs and incorporated signature flag design. The men’s collection includes crew neck T-shirts and versatile button-down long sleeve shirts perfect for formal or everyday wear. Men’s denim jean styles are both straight and skinny-legged, priced affordably at $49.99. Two nylon jackets in army green and black complete the collection, along with a similar black or brown leather jacket also featured in the women’s collection.
The only notable absences in the Target William Rast line were the rich embellishments and use of fur on jackets featured in the designer’s latest line. The Target collection features pieces that are wearable everyday for both men and women and reasonably priced for college budgets. The quality of the clothing in the collection can easily be mistaken for the more pricey William Rast runway collection. The pieces designed for the Target collection are versatile and appeal to the tastes of both the fashion savvy shopper and the comfort-seeking shopper on a budget.
E-mail Scofield at cscofield@media.ucla.edu